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Forms and Templates

The forms page is designed to provide students with a convenient and accessible resource for addressing legal matters during your academic journey. Whether you need a rental agreement, a demand letter, or assistance with understanding your rights, this selection of documents will help you navigate potential legal challenges with confidence. The forms and templates listed below are informative and do NOT constitute as legal advice, if you're experiencing a legal issue that's not covered below, consult with the law clinic to get more information on your specific legal needs.

 

  • Move-in Checklist: Moving into a new leased property can be an exciting yet hectic process. To ensure a smooth transition and avoid any future complications, it's essential to complete a move-in checklist. This checklist serves as a guide to assess the condition of the property before you settle in. (PDF, Word Document)

 

  • Roommate Agreement: a written contract that outlines the agreed-upon terms and expectations between individuals sharing a living space. It serves as a reference point to establish rules and responsibilities regarding rent, utilities, chores, quiet hours, guest policies, and other important aspects of cohabitation. Here's a draft of a roommate agreement template that you can use as a starting point. Remember to customize it based on your specific needs and requirements. Here's a draft of a roommate agreement template that you can use as a starting point. Remember to customize it based on your specific needs and requirements. (Download Roommate Agreement Template)

 

  • Sublease Agreement: A sublease agreement is a legally binding contract between a sublessor (the original tenant) and a sublessee (a new tenant) that allows the sublessee to rent and occupy a property temporarily. It outlines the terms and conditions of the sublease, including the rental payments, duration of the sublease, responsibilities of both parties and any specific rules or restrictions. The sublease agreement typically requires compliance with the original lease terms and ensures that the sublessee understands their obligations and rights during the sublease period. (Download Sublease Agreement Template)

 

  • Lease Assignment Agreement: A Lease Assignment is a legal process in which a tenant transfers their rights and obligations of a lease agreement to another person, known as the assignee. By assigning the lease, the original tenant effectively transfers their responsibility for rent payments, maintenance obligations, and other terms outlined in the lease to the assignee. This allows the assignee to step into the tenant's shoes and assume all rights and responsibilities for the remaining duration of the lease, while the landlord's consent is typically required. (Download Lease Assignment Template)

 

Demand Letters

A tenant may write a demand letter to their landlord for various reasons, typically to address concerns or request specific actions. Here are some common scenarios that could prompt a tenant to write a demand letter:

  • Repairs and Maintenance: If the tenant has reported maintenance or repair issues to the landlord but has not received a timely response or adequate resolution, they may write a demand letter. This letter could emphasize the urgency of the repairs needed and request immediate action to rectify the situation. (Repair Demand Letter Template)

 

  • Lease Violations: When a landlord fails to fulfill the obligations outlined in the lease agreement, such as providing essential services, addressing noise disturbances, or respecting the tenant's right to privacy, the tenant may write a demand letter. This letter would highlight the specific lease violations and demand that the landlord promptly rectify the situation. (Lease Violation Demand Letter Template)

 

  • Security Deposit: If a tenant believes their security deposit was wrongfully withheld or unfairly deducted, they may choose to write a demand letter. The letter would outline the amount of the deposit, the deductions made by the landlord, and reasons why the deductions are unjustified. The tenant may request the return of the remaining deposit or negotiate a resolution. (Security Deposit Demand Letter Template, Security Deposit Demand Information)

 

  • Rent Increase Disputes: When a tenant receives a significant or unjustified rent increase, they may choose to write a demand letter to express their concerns. The letter would outline the reasons why the rent increase is unreasonable or violates local rent control regulations, and the tenant may request a fair adjustment or an explanation from the landlord. (Rent Increase Dispute Letter Template)

 

  • Discrimination or Harassment: If a tenant experiences discrimination or harassment based on protected characteristics, such as race, gender, religion, or disability, they may write a demand letter to address the issue. The letter would detail the incidents of discrimination or harassment, demand that the behavior cease immediately, and may include a request for compensation or legal action if the situation is not resolved promptly. For more information on handling instances of discrimination visit Tenants Together, a statewide coalition of tenants whose goal is to defend the rights of tenants across California.